Ruthin Castle Hotel

This was our first visit to the UK and we were looking forward to staying in a real castle. The castle and grounds were lovely, complete with lions at the entrance and peacocks strolling the grounds. However, our room was a big disappointment. The furniture was something out of a carboot sale and the bed was comfortable, but very small (my husband is 6'4"). We had a great view of the Wales country side as the windows in our room were tall and large. The wind was blowing that evening and needless to say, we spent a cold night as the wind whistled through the gaps around the frames. The bath was old, but very clean and large. The medival banquet and entertainment were great. The music and comic relief were exceptional. Some members of our traveling group had large more modern rooms. We were in the basement and the rooms were not quite up to the pictures on the hotel's website. The staff were very cordial and helpful. All in all, I would stay there again just for the stmosphere.

This is our second stay at the Ruthin Castle. We stayed here 2 years ago. We came back to attend a wedding this time. It has been recently bought by a new owner who is in the process of remodeling the rooms. We stayed in Room 204, which is the same room that we stayed in last time. Our adult children stayed in 308. We didn't even recognize our room. The remodeling job is fantastic, including a wonderful big tub and a separate shower. They even have a hairdryer in the bathroom - next to the sink - which is unheard of in the UK. Our kids room was also very nice and large enough to accomodate a queen bed and a roll away with plenty of space. The only thing I would warn people against is that the new owners are making this an "event" destination. They specialize in weddings and there are at least 2 weddings every weekend day, meaning Friday, Saturday, and often Sunday. Consequently, there are always throngs of people checking in, checking out and music blaring until late in the evening. Our room (204) was right over one of the banquet rooms and the first night there was music blaring until 1 AM. I would say if you want a relaxing, lovely experience, go during the week. It is a charming town and great hotel, but the weekends are just too hectic.

we booked our break quite late and was not sure what to expect. I am pleased to say that we had a very nice surprise. The standard of the room was first class it was extremely modern with all the facilities needed, plenty of hot water, lovely shower and the main bedroom was very luxurious. We ate in the hotels resturant and the meal was excellent the mealt was really good value for money and we found the all the staff to be very friendly and polite.

Loved the hotel. Yes, it was a bit shabby, but you had to look at the whole package. Classy lobby, library and parlor, and the rooms were clean. We had a family suite for my husband and 2 kids, the kids had a separate room, but we shared a bath. We also attended the mideveal banquet that they had and were able to rent costumes for the whole thing. What a hoot...we were the only ones dressed up besides the help, but it was a great time. A good lesson for the kids to not care what others think. As it was, they were getting requests to pose with the other guests in their photos...Charlie Vegas (real name???) did the costumes and they were waiting in our room when we arrived. What fun it was to dress up... All in all, it was a great time and a once in a lifetime experience.

The approach and entrance look quite grand although on closer inspection there is some maintenance required. The grounds containing the castle remains are interesting. The best aspects are the public rooms on the ground floor, three large rooms with real fires, comfy sofas and chairs. The restaurant is atmospheric and the food included in the dinner and breakfast rate was absolutely superb in quality and quantity. Service was prompt and excellent although the hotel was not full at the time. Unfortunately the room, a standard in the South wing, was not to the standard of everything else but was fair value for what we paid. There seems to be some refurbishment being undertaken in order to achieve 4 stars and we will certainly revisit when the work is complete.

We went to Ruthin Castle as a couple and with another couple who are our friends. Great location, tranquil our rooms overlooked a river, yet very near to the ameinities of Ruthin town with bars restaurants etc. Our friends were thrilled its a real proper old fashioned castle with armour and tapestries galore!!! It was fantastic, you can wander amongst the battlements getting a real view of the castle from different perspectives, there are peacocks too!! The bar was wood panelled and olde worlde and we had a great time. The restaurant food was lovely, the only slight gripe was length of time to get served. The grounds were really nice and the staff helpful. The rooms we had were basic but of good size and did the job. However we paid £35 a night including full breakfast and parking via Laterooms and it was well absolutely and utterly worth the money. We are going back again soon, this time maybe eat out in the town for a change and sample the local hostelries. I have been to the medeival banquet also in the past and that was brilliant aswell. It is not state of the art or stylee a la plasma screen telly, but is fun,interesting and relaxing. Hope you enjoy it.

We stayed here for two nights over the weekend. The hotel itself is beautiful and very atmospheric. We booked our stay with Laterooms (only £35 bb prpn!), so it was amazing value! We arrived late on Friday night and ordered some room service instead of going to the restaurant. The room service food was lovely and not too expensive. We also opted to have a continental breakfast in our room every morning (which was only an extra £1 per person)and it was a nice start to the day! The staff in the hotel were exceptionally friendly. The room itself was cleaned and although it was quite basic - it suited us fine. Overall a good experience!

Very disappointing stay on New Year's Eve 2005, the room was digusting, mold around the bath, dirty tiles very basic indeed bit like Butlins asked to be moved and was told the hotel was full after speaking to the manager we were moved but charged £15.00 to be moved. The new room was better but still poor problems with the hot / cold water from the bath but couldn't be bothered saying anything. A lot of money for what you get as drinks are very expensive as well. Would not recommend and would not go back.

Arriving at the Castle itself was amazing, with two huge red lions welcoming us in. Our room wasn't quite ready when we arrived, but we didn't mind waiting in the bar for a few minutes! I got the feeling that all the public rooms had been refurbished recently, and Christmas trees had been put up to make the place feel even more special. There was a medieaval banquet in one room (fancy dress included), but we opted for the quieter restaurant, where the food was delicious, and the service excellent. The ONLY improvement I felt was needed was some updating of the bedrooms, but they were quite adequate for us. A really special night in a very special hotel, and a very interesting walk around the grounds the next morning.

I went for my birthday and totally loved the mediaeval banquet. Rooms are sumptuous and elegant. Food is excellent.